indianambassadorsupplement Mohammed and Anisa Dadabhai with HE Dr Mohan and Mala Kumar
A Fitting Tribute APPLE SHARMA As the time approaches for the Indian Ambassador HE Dr Mohan Kumar to bid farewell to Bahrain, leading Bahraini businessman Mohammed Dadabhai chats to BTM about Dr Kumar’s tenure in the Kingdom.
52 May 2015
Mohammed and Anisa Dadabhai held a farewell gettogether for the Indian Ambassador HE Dr Mohan Kumar and his wife Mala Kumar at their residence. Important officials and dignitaries were invited to the soiree and Mohammad gave a glowing speech in Dr Kumar’s honour. “During his tenure of four and a half years, Mohan Kumar has played a huge role in building relations between Bahrain and India,” says Mohammed. “He was instrumental in organising a visit by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and two visits of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to India. He also arranged for India’s foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, the first senior cabinet minister after the new Modi government, to visit Bahrain. “We should give credit to him for his hard work and commitment in developing relations between the two countries. I have also seen him work particularly hard for the welfare of the Indian community.” Mohammad, who is also the chairman of the Bahrain India Society, feels HE Dr Kumar’s vision has always been very productive. “He has developed synergy between Bahrainis and Indians and I think, as a diplomat, in my opinion, he has probably been the best ambassador we have had so far,” says Mohammed. “He has set up procedures in place for the next ambassador who takes over. “I have no words to express my appreciation and I’m very sad that he is leaving. I think a person of his calibre will definitely go places and grow from strength to strength in his career.” Mohammed also praises HE Dr Kumar for not just doing a great job with the Indian community and in developing relations between the two countries, but also for being well connected with the Bahrain community.
With India’s new Modi government emphasising on economy, Mohammed believes that Dr Kumar suits the agenda of the Indian government perfectly, having met all the top leaders of the world. “The new government’s slogan ‘Make in India’ shows what India can offer and I feel ambassadors like Mohan Kumar will play a role because he himself is an economist and has got the right potential,” says Mohammed. “The ambassador is always the image of a country and I think today Indians, who are the largest expat community in the country, enjoy the fruit of the growth of the Bahrain economy. I think our leadership has been very kind and always appreciative of the efforts of the Indians and I think this relationship should grow more.” Mohammed has been working with Indian educational institutions (medical and engineering colleges) and his aim is to get sponsorship support for Bahraini students. “Bahrain needs Indian institutions and Mohan Kumar has played a big role in promoting what Bahrain can offer and, as a result, there have been a few good successful outcomes. He has always been passionate about the welfare of the Indians and the Bahrainis,” he says. Talking about the ambassador’s wife, Mala Kumar, Mohammed says: “Mala has had extremely cordial relationships with all the communities, especially the Bahraini community. She’s a charming lady and has definitely played a role in creating good public relations for the ambassador. “Wherever Mohan Kumar goes, I’m sure that he will perform well. As they say in cricket, ‘he’s one player who can play on any field’. I wish him all the very best and look forward to his bright future.” www.bahrainthismonth.com